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Mesothelioma in Flint, Michigan

Expert Fact Checked

This page was legally reviewed by Jennifer Lucarelli. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have comments or questions on our content please contact us.

Jennifer Lucarelli Lawyer and Legal Advisor

Flint, Michigan, is well known for the lead-contaminated drinking water crisis in 2014. After exposure to lead, Flint residents are also concerned about asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in Flint homes, schools and the automotive industry until 1980. Flint residents who develop an asbestos-related illness can find local treatment and legal resources below.


01. Mesothelioma Treatment in Flint

Flint, Michigan Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma patients in Flint, Michigan, can seek treatment from cancer centers in nearby Michigan cities. Detroit, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan, all have treatment centers within 70 miles of Flint.

Michigan’s cancer treatment centers offer access to experienced doctors and care teams. Specialized mesothelioma doctors understand the disease and can create an individualized treatment plan for their patients.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Flint, Michigan

Although there are no specialized treatment centers in Flint, there are facilities elsewhere in the state. Other Michigan cities with cancer centers include:

  • Ann Arbor (~55 miles from Flint)
  • Detroit (~70 miles from Flint)
  • Ypsilanti (~65 miles from Flint)

These cities offer experienced care from several top hospitals. For example, Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan has a Thoracic Oncology Program that treats mesothelioma. The program also specializes in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). HIPEC is a common treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma that has shown promise in extending survival.

University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Cancer Center

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Cancer Center

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Detroit, MI 48201

02. Mesothelioma Doctors in Flint

Flint, Michigan Mesothelioma Doctors

Patients should consider seeking care from a mesothelioma doctor. Mesothelioma specialists best understand what treatment options are available for an individual’s case.

There are several doctors in Michigan with expertise treating mesothelioma.

Photo of Shirish M. Gadgeel, M.D.

Shirish M. Gadgeel, M.D.

Medical Oncologist
Detroit, MI
Bio

Photo of Gregory P. Kalemkerian, M.D.

Gregory P. Kalemkerian, M.D.

Medical Oncologist
Ann Arbor, MI
Bio

Photo of Ayman Soubani, M.D.

Ayman Soubani, M.D.

Thoracic Oncologist
Detroit, MI
Bio

03. Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Flint

Flint, Michigan Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Workers and residents may have been exposed to asbestos in Michigan, leading to an asbestos disease diagnosis. Flint residents diagnosed with an asbestos illness may be able to seek financial compensation. Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can provide insight into filing an asbestos lawsuit or other financial assistance options.

By filing an asbestos lawsuit, victims may seek compensation from companies or workplaces. In many cases, negligent asbestos companies put workers and consumers at risk of exposure.

School District Files Lawsuit Against National Gypsum

School districts, including those in Flint, have been involved in lawsuits against National Gypsum Company. National Gypsum was an asbestos manufacturer that frequently produced construction materials. Materials such as siding and cement were commonly provided to schools. Use of asbestos construction materials in schools puts students, teachers and staff at risk of exposure.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Flint, Michigan

Mesothelioma law firms in Flint can provide guidance throughout the claims filing process to ensure victims receive the most compensation possible. Law firms that serve the Flint area include:

Recovering billions of dollars for mesothelioma victims for over 40 years as recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report.

Experienced mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers serving victims nationwide. Recognized by Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report.

Over 16 years of experience serving asbestos injury victims. The Gori Law Firm is recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA).

For over 20 years, Vogelzang Law has handled hundreds of asbestos-related cases, successfully securing millions in verdicts and settlements. Our firm supports every client and their family and fights to win on their behalf.

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Flint, Michigan

These law firms assist claimants with gathering the proper documentation to file a claim. Michigan mesothelioma lawyers also ensure claimants file within the legal deadline. To guarantee eligibility, patients and loved ones must follow Michigan’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations requires claimants to file a claim within a particular time frame.

If victims of asbestos exposure are filing for themselves, they adhere to personal injury guidelines. If loved ones are filing after a death, they adhere to wrongful death guidelines.

Statutes of Limitations for Flint

Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 3 years after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 3 years after an asbestos-related death.

Asbestos victims may receive financial compensation from a successful claim. Compensation may help individuals and their loved ones cover:

Several asbestos victims in Flint have received financial compensation. Examples of claimants include:

Client Profile

Age: 55

Occupation: Firefighter

Jobsites Worked at: ALF CIO (1985 – 2009); City of Flint (1993 – 2009); General Motors – Fisher Body Plant (1960 – 2005); UAW (2003 – 2007)

Settlement: ~$2,040,000

Client Profile

Age: 84

Occupation: Navy, Plant worker

Jobsites Worked at: AC Spark Plug (1951 – 1956); Advance Auto Parts; General Motors (1957 – 1958); New Vision Optical (1956)

Settlement: ~$682,236

04. Asbestos Use in Flint

Asbestos Use in Flint, Michigan

Asbestos was commonly used in construction products throughout Flint buildings. Studies have shown the most common types of asbestos in the city are chrysotile and amosite.

Flint buildings constructed before 1980 are most likely to contain asbestos. As these structures age, asbestos may become worn or damaged. Fibers can then be released into the air and inhaled or ingested. Any amount of asbestos exposure can lead to the development of an asbestos disease, such as pleural mesothelioma.

Historical Flint, Michigan Buildings and Asbestos

The city of Flint was established in 1819 and saw the largest population boom in the early 1900s. As a result, many prominent structures in Flint were built before the dangers of asbestos became well-known.

Many of these structures now require renovations or demolition. These large-scale projects may put individuals at risk of asbestos exposure.

Instances of asbestos and historical buildings in Flint include:

  • The Ramada Inn
  • The Meijer store
  • The Genesee County Administration Building

The Ramada Inn and Meijer store underwent asbestos abatement before demolitions. These structures were considered landmarks to Flint residents, as Flint is a relatively small city.

Both buildings were located in Flint, across the road from one another. Their demolition was part of a town cleanup effort. Funding was allocated specifically to asbestos remediation.

Officials also recognized the potential of asbestos in the Genesee County Administration Building. To ensure safety during renovations, they hired an asbestos testing company to inspect the structure. The company conducted a survey to identify areas that may contain asbestos.

Professionals found chrysotile and amosite asbestos fibers in many products, including:

The building was constructed in 1969 with cosmetic renovations in 1981. Any materials incorporated in the 1981 renovation were not tested. By this time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had set asbestos regulations. The testing company assumed the new building materials would contain asbestos alternatives to comply with these regulations.

Flint, Michigan Schools and Asbestos

State officials worry about exposure among Flint children. The Flint drinking water crisis exposed children to high levels of lead.

With a history of dangerous exposure, health officials have expressed the need for a larger focus on asbestos safety. Asbestos in schools is of particular concern.

As schools age, asbestos may pose a risk to custodial workers, administrative staff, educators and students. Many schools in Flint were constructed before the establishment of asbestos regulations. Asbestos was incorporated in ceilings, floors, walls and other building materials.

Flint city officials have ordered asbestos abatement in schools to protect children from further exposure.

Flint, Michigan Schools and Asbestos Abatement

The Carman-Ainsworth Community School district demonstrates how Flint schools are managing the risk of asbestos. The district complies with the EPA’s Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA).

Asbestos safety measures executed by the school district include:

  • Conducting six-month periodic surveillance
  • Conducting three-year re-inspections of all assumed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
  • Performing asbestos abatement prior to renovations, as needed
  • Providing a Public Annual Asbestos Notification to inform the public of the latest asbestos happenings

The latest Public Annual Asbestos Notification noted asbestos floor tiles were removed at Dye Elementary and Rankin Elementary. Asbestos products were also removed at C-A High School, C-A Middle School and Randels Elementary. All abatement was done in compliance with asbestos regulations.

The Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) has raised concerns about asbestos removal in Michigan. The Genesee County Land Bank Asbestos Removal Program operating in Flint, MI, was of particular concern. The program was involved with school demolitions, including the demolition of Clark Elementary in 2014.

SIGTARP is a federal law enforcement agency. The agency monitors financial institution crime, fraud, waste and abuse related to the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

SIGTARP released an audit in 2017 noting its concerns around the Genesee County Land Bank operations. The agency noted a lack of regulations and quality assurance around waste handling and disposal. It was particularly concerned about demolitions in Flint. SIGTARP asserted Flint residents deserved to feel safe, especially after the drinking water crisis.

General Motors Asbestos Use

There are many other schools, buildings and worksites in Flint proven to contain asbestos. One example is General Motors. The automotive company was founded in Flint and used asbestos materials.

The automotive industry frequently used asbestos in brake pads, clutch linings, fume hoods and other parts. As a result, Flint General Motors employees experienced asbestos exposure.

Retired Flint GM employees claim furnaces and exhaust stacks pumped hazardous material from within the building into the outdoor air. As a result, nearby workers and residents may have been exposed to asbestos and other carcinogens.

Aside from the General Motors facility, there are several other worksites that have led to instances of asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure at any of these sites could lead to the development of asbestos illnesses.

Flint, Michigan Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • A.C. Powerhouse
  • AC Spark Plug Company
  • Atherton Elementary School
  • Beecher High School
  • Beecher Machine Shop
  • Bendle School
  • Buick Plant
  • Cadillac Plastic and Chemical Company
  • Carman-Ainsworth High School
  • Central High School
  • Chevrolet Motor Company of Michigan
  • Chevrolet New Personnel Building
  • Citizens Bank
  • Civic Park School
  • Corunna Road Team Track Grand Trunk Western Railroad
  • Dee Cramer, Inc.
  • Dort Elementary School
  • Dort Motor Car Company
  • Dover & Company
  • Dow Chemical Company
  • Durant-Dort Carriage Company
  • Dye Elementary School
  • Dye Junior High School
  • E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
  • Eastern Michigan Power Company
  • Factory #16
  • Fisher Body Corporation
  • Flint Administration Building
  • Flint Cotton and Woolen Mill Company
  • Flint Daily Journal
  • Flint Gas Company
  • Flint High School
  • Flint Institute of Arts & Music
  • Flint Junior College (Mott Community College)
  • Flint Light and Power Company
  • Flint Motor Company
  • Flint Osteopathic Hospital
  • Flint Power Syndicate
  • Freeman Elementary School
  • Garfield Elementary
  • General Motors Company
  • General Motors Institute (Kettering University)
  • Genesee County Tuberculosis Sanatorium
  • Genesee Intermediate Learning Center
  • Genesee Memorial Hospital
  • Genesee Valley Mall
  • GM Chevrolet Assembly Plant
  • Goodrich School
  • Grand Blanc School
  • Grand Trunk Western Railroad
  • Hamady High School
  • Holy Redeemer Church
  • Holy Rosary Church
  • Homedale Elementary School
  • Hurley Medical Center
  • IMA Sports Arena
  • Kearsley High School
  • Koegel Meats, Inc.
  • Lapeer School
  • Longfellow Middle School
  • Louis Allis Company
  • Lowell Elementary School
  • Manley Elementary School
  • McKinley Middle School
  • McLaren Hospital
  • McLouth Steel Corporation
  • Michigan School for the Deaf
  • Motor Wheel Corporation
  • North Branch School
  • Northern High School
  • Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
  • Owosso School
  • Peoples Electric Light Company
  • Peregrine, Inc.
  • Plant #4
  • Potter School
  • Powers Catholic High School
  • Railroad Dock Enclosure
  • Roosevelt Elementary
  • S&C
  • Saint Joseph Hospital
  • Sand-Lime Brick Company
  • St. Leo the Great Catholic Church
  • St. Mary’s Church
  • Utley High School
  • V8 Engine Plant
  • W. F. Stewart Company
  • Washington Elementary School
  • Westwood Heights High School
  • Whaley Park Williams School
  • Whittier Junior High School
  • Whittier Middle School
  • Wickes Companies, Inc.
  • Williams School
  • Women’s Hospital
  • Zimmerman Junior High School

Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You

Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You